swissQprint presented two new large format printers at Fespa 2017: Impala LED and Nyala LED. With a mechanically perfected foundation, these new models operate with even greater precision than their predecessors. LED curing makes them hugely versatile, highly profitable and environmentally friendly.
"There is a lot more to Impala LED and Nyala LED than LED," said Maurus Zeller at Fespa 2017. The swissQprint product manager explained the further refinements to the mechanical basis of the quality printers. According to Zeller, "On this foundation, we then put the LED technology for even greater precision." LED curing is claimed to significantly reduce power consumption. Less heat build-up in turn increases the variety of materials that can be printed, enabling new applications. The lamp system is maintenance-free, so consumables and downtimes for maintenance are no longer necessary. "The new machines are profitable, highly precise and environmentally friendly," Zeller concludes.
Refined basis for superior results
swissQprint large format printers are renowned for their print quality, and yet the Swiss manufacturer never tires of further optimising them. There is a whole series of mechanical improvements in Impala LED and Nyala LED. Two examples: the beam architecture has been reworked for even better stability, and swissQprint has ensured that the flatbed is indeed perfectly flat over its entire surface – 3.2 × 2 metres with Nyala LED and 2.5 × 2 metres with Impala LED. All those points combine to create ideal conditions for pinpoint-precise droplet placement and a homogeneous print image, while maintaining the usual high productivity: Nyala LED achieves a maximum of 206 square metres per hour, Impala LED 180 square metres.
Stress-free roll to roll printing
Impala LED and Nyala LED are real flatbed printers, expandable with options as required. There is a roll to roll option, for example. "We have improved that too,” adds Maurus Zeller. A new control element ensures even more precise measuring results and thus impeccable printing. This combined with cool LED curing makes for stress-free processing of heat-sensitive roll media, because the material warps less.
Material diversity with standard ink
Speaking of heat-sensitive media: LED curing extends the general diversity of applications. Thin films, paper, board and delicate textiles, for example, join the repertoire of material that the digital printer can handle. In spite of this, there is no need for expensive special LED ink: swissQprint UV inks cure both under mercury vapour lamps and under the new LED system. In the latter case, the output software automatically adjusts the UV output power to the material and the printing speed. This also helps users to achieve consistently optimal curing results.
Optional 4×4 variant
swissQprint launched what the company calls a 4×4 version of its existing Impala and Nyala series in early 2017. Impala LED and Nyala LED are optionally available in this version as well, meaning that they come configured with quadruple CMYK for impressive quality at high printing speed. This makes them suited to users requiring high output with uncompromising quality and vivid colours. High-quality POS items, displays, posters, banners, backlit and other similarly demanding media are just some of the applications.
Easy on the budget and the environment
Maurus Zeller explains: "An LED system pays for itself within two years of single-shift operation." Next to efficiency and versatility, this comes thanks to the maintenance-free nature of the lamps and their modest power consumption, which is said to be 50 percent less than a conventional system. Another advantage: the lamps are instantly ready to go, so the new printers are outstanding in terms of high availability as well as being productive and easy on the budget. Maurus Zeller promises: "Impala LED and Nyala LED operate with a constant high standard of quality throughout their lifecycle. Not only that, they conserve energy resources and generate no ozone or mercury waste."
Impala LED and Nyala LED are now available through the swissQprint distribution partner network in around 40 countries.